The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay on Ireland’s west coast and comprise three inhabited islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr. Their landscapes are defined by limestone terraces, stone walls, small fields, sea cliffs, and exposed coastal ground shaped by Atlantic weather. The islands are known for their distinctive dry-stone walls, which divide much of the farmland into small plots.
Rabat is a historic town in central Malta, adjoining the fortified city of Mdina and extending across a landscape shaped by limestone, fields, and ancient settlements. Its name means “suburb,” reflecting its position outside the walls of the former capital. The town has a distinctly local character, with narrow streets, traditional limestone buildings, small squares, and churches interspersed with archaeological sites.
Charyn Canyon National Park is a protected area in southeastern Kazakhstan, east of Almaty, centered on the dramatic Charyn Canyon carved by the Charyn River. The park covers a landscape of deep gorges, dry valleys, cliffs, and semi-desert plains at the edge of the Tian Shan. Charyn Canyon is the park's best-known feature, with layers of sedimentary rock exposed along steep walls shaped by erosion.
Milos is one of the most striking islands in the Aegean Sea, known for its otherworldly landscapes, turquoise coves, and centuries-old history. Shaped like a horseshoe, the island was formed by volcanic activity which left behind dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches carved from soft white rock. Visitors often find their first glimpse of Milos unforgettable, especially at Sarakiniko Beach where smooth, chalk-white formations contrast with the vivid blue water.
Tinghir is an oasis town in southeastern Morocco, set between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas mountains at the entrance to the Todra Valley. The town is surrounded by an extensive palm grove where date palms, gardens, and small agricultural plots follow the Todra River. Its traditional earthen buildings and kasbahs rise above the greenery, creating a clear contrast with the dry mountain slopes nearby.